Independence Branch Library Passes Plan Commission

I am pleased to announce that the new Independence Branch Library passed the Plan Commission on Thursday, July 20.

The building is a unique collaboration between the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Public Library, with the library on the first two floors and four floors of affordable senior housing above. The new location at 4024 N. Elston is designed by John Ronan Architects, a finalist in the competition to build the Obama Presidential Library.

For decades, neighbors and library users have lobbied for a new library. After the library’s former location closed in 2015 due to smoke damage from an adjacent fire, momentum grew for a new and improved facility. In October, it was announced that the library would have a permanent home where the former Hollerbach Funeral Home was located.

The proposal will go before the Zoning Committee in August, and the library is expected to open before Christmas 2018. I want to thank the Friends of Independence Library, West Walker Civic Association, Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association, Old Irving Park Association, Rep. Jaime Andrade, the Mayor’s office, Ald. Marge Laurino, Ald. Deb Mell, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, and all the residents and neighborhood groups who advocated to make this happen.